The Henson Fund mission is narrowly focused on education and enrichment programs for children living in poverty in our Title 1 schools.
However, there are wonderful local organizations also supporting these children and the Fund has financially supported their initiatives.
- The Henson Fund has been working with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) since 2013. After the first summer of Eagle Academy (Summer Learning), the Fund split the financial requirements of Summer Learning 50/50 as the program grew, so as to include a full-time school Social Worker, expansion of the Afternoon Enrichment Program, and a Certified Nurse Training Program as a new learning opportunity for Summer Learning’s Parent University.
- The Fund brainstorms with CFSC staff to understand community needs.
- The Fund inaugurated a “100% Club” by funding all organizations in the Season of Sharing Giving Challenge.
- The Fund maintains a Donor Advised Fund at CFSC.
- The Henson Fund has worked closely with UnidosNow to help our hard-working Hispanic neighbors with a gift of $300,000 for ongoing programs.
- All Faiths Food Bank has done a wonderful job ensuring that our neighbors do not go hungry. During COVID, The Henson Fund provided a $500,000 Matching Grant for the organizations’ efforts to feed those in need.